Erfurt, which is the capital of the German state of Thuringia, will conduct seismic surveys in the summer of this year, to explore a potential geothermal reservoir for district heating.
This survey will be conducted in collaboration with local utility Stadtwerke Erfurt, according to an official statement from the city administration.
Nine unique vibration vehicles will be used in the seismic measurement campaign. These vehicles will send vibrations into the subsurface, where they will be reflected and picked up by 12,000 measuring devices, also known as geo-phones.
Decarbonisation at a local level
The study's objective is to determine a possible reservoir for the application of deep geothermal energy by analysing the characteristics of the rock layers. Drilling can be planned using the accurate 3D models of the subsurface that can be produced using the database that was acquired.
The city of Erfurt and its surrounding municipalities, including Udestedt, Großrudestedt, and Riethnordhausen, will make up the major measurement area, which will span 136 sq km. Early notification will be given to all impacted residents and property owners.
The city wishes to “decarbonise the state capital's district heating supply by 2045,” the statement said, adding that the vibroseismic technology used has low emissions and the measuring points are carefully planned to protect sensitive areas.
Last year Münster successfully employed the same exploration technique.
Mayor Andreas Horn stressed that this is not only the energy supply of the future, but also an important public service. He added that geothermal energy is a sustainable source and crisis-proof.